Auckland Portrait Photographer | Ilan Wittenberg Photographer

My name is Roko. I was born and raised in Fiji, in a remote rural area, far away from the town and the sea. We do subsistence farming for a living and also as a source of income. In 2012 I came to New Zealand on a visitor visa, everything happens for a reason, nothing happens by chance or means of luck. Thinking back home, the struggles, we had been hoping to get a chance of raising my kids here. I met my wife in 2015 and we had our first of three children. I started working various jobs before my current job in landscaping. With God’s help I would like to ensure my kids a better future.

(c) Ilan Wittenberg

Lai

I grew up in a settlement in Suva called Wakanisila, the capital and largest metropolitan city in Fiji. I was brought up by my grandparents since the age of 4 years old. My parents had separated. The saying ‘It takes a village to raise a child’ is true in my case. I grew up watching volleyball and rugby. I first Played Volleyball for our local club ‘Liberty’, I ultimately had the pleasure of representing Fiji. This then led me to tour New Zealand where I met my now wife. I played volleyball here in NZ but ultimately working to be able to provide for my family is my priority. My goal is to be able to give my son a life that I never had. With God by my side anything is possible.

(c) Ilan Wittenberg

Mollie

(c) Ilan Wittenberg

Photography Sessions at UXBRIDGE Arts

Photography Sessions

Four photography sessions are offered by UXBRIDGE ARTS & CULTURE

Improve your photography – Photo Critique: Saturday 20 June 10:30AM – 11:30AM
This workshop will explore your own digital images. Please email 2 or 3 of your own images to [email protected] (2-5 MB). As a group we will look anonymously at each photo and Ilan will critique them from different angles, looking at where improvement could be made.

Improve your photography – Technique: Saturday 20 June 12:00PM – 1:00PM
This workshop will focus on light, setting and poses to maximise your portrait photography. Ilan will show some of his portrait collection of New Zealanders who are humble, courageous and vulnerable. Ilan will use these to share techniques on how to emphasize and observe shape and form to create edgy images that tell a story to the viewer.

Faces of Cairo: Wednesday 24 June, 6:30PM – 7:15PM
In this session you will view and enjoy time to question some images from documentary series ‘Faces of Cairo’ – a tour of the land and it’s people; the streets, the markets the African desert and the path of history. Learn the art of telling a story with a clear narrative style using the lens.

Scapes: Wednesday 24 June, 7:30PM – 8:15PM
Scapes is a series of wide-format prints, exploring the timeless nature of unique locations using sepia tone, which emulates analogue lithographic techniques. This distinct and compelling monochromatic style creates strong images which inspire the imagination and provoke conscious consideration. Discussions on the ‘how’ and ‘why’ are encouraged in this session.

Click here to book your free session

(c) Ilan Wittenberg

Iva

(c) Ilan Wittenberg

Meg

(c) Ilan Wittenberg

Scapes exhibition at the 2020 Auckland Festival of Photography

Timid

Timid: Winner of the 2020 SONY Alpha Awards Editorial category. Semi-Finalist at 2020 hEAD oN Photo Festival

‘Timid’ is part of a collection of captivating portraits of the Maasai people from Tanzania. I found myself deeply inspired upon meeting the Maasai tribe and realised the opportunity to document their unique culture which is being eroded by Western influence and modern technology. On a personal level, this reminds me of the true value of photography: preserving memories in order to relive special stories and pass them on to others. Through this series of carefully composed photographs, the Maasai people can share their rich culture with the world.

The collection is presented in a film-noir monochrome, capturing these portraits in a classically timeless style; lending a unifying appearance that emulates analogue lithographic techniques. I wanted viewers to focus on the humanity aspect of each portrait: expression, body language, shape and form. I eliminated distracting colours to ensure that viewers focus on the people within the photos and make emotional connections with the Maasai.

This is a documentary collection; most of the photos had little or no retouching. I waited for people to look straight into the camera so we can see highlights in their eyes. The strength of the series is in giving viewers an opportunity to connect with the Maasai people in their natural environment. This diverse group of people serves as a timely reminder that despite our many cultural differences, we can unite as a community through the power of photography. I hope that through this portfolio viewers learn more about the Maasai culture. We are all wonderfully unique, yet at the same time, we are deeply the same.

I aim to depict the Maasai culture in an authentic and honest way, using a clear narrative style which shows the significance of their culture, as well as their individual personalities. My goal is to provoke viewers imagination regarding the traditions of the Maasai people and the stories behind their portraits. In sharing this portfolio, I encourage viewers to show tolerance: to accept all people and to recognise the value of cultural diversity. We would all experience an enhanced sense of community if we took the time to appreciate interactions which allow us to discover the world beyond our familiar boundaries.

(c) Ilan Wittenberg

Paige

(c) Ilan Wittenberg

Portraiture Workshop – 2020 hEAD oN Photo Festival

Faces of Cairo – Colour

(c) Ilan Wittenberg

Fine art nude

Sophie

Photography is the easiest medium of Art to be competent in but it’s the hardest medium in which to have a truly personal vision. It’s very much like talking: everyone can talk but very few have something to say. In creating my work, I aim to demonstrate a clear style, to tell a story while being imaginative and thought-provoking. My goal is to present work that is strong and distinguished with a clear narrative sense. I wish to inspire people with timeless images that have enduring qualities, to be creative and artistic and to show a personal vision.

In presenting this series, I offer you an opportunity to contemplate and appreciate the juxtaposition between human and nature: soft flesh and harsh environment; life and stillness; white and black. The use of monochrome emphasises the nude shape and form, removing distracting elements to ensure that you focus on the beautiful feminine body language. These photographs portray powerful and independent women who are depicted through fresh, inspiring and original artwork.